Electronic Device Holder

ABSTRACT

In one example, we describe a holder for an electronic device, such as a cell phone. The holder allows the user to attach the device to the user, as well as straps, such as car seat belts and purse straps. This holder has the unique property of being able to accommodate a range of sizes of electronic devices. We can adjust length, width, and thickness, or use angles in 3 different directions, for multiple degrees of freedom, in Cartesian, polar, or cylindrical coordinates, or combinations, to adjust the size, for different devices, to make that very easy and cost effective/flexible for the consumers, to adjust very fast and secure, as an example.

This application is based on a provisional application filed on Jul. 6, 2009, Ser. No. 61/270,139, in USPTO, directly by the inventors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronic device holders, commonly called holsters, have been available for some time. They are most commonly used to accommodate cell phones and allow the user to carry the phone on his or her waist band or belt (FIG. 5). Typically, these holsters have either been fabricated from a soft flexible material like leather or nylon fabric (FIG. 6), or they have been molded from a rigid material such as polycarbonate or Kydex (FIG. 7).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, we describe a holder for an electronic device, such as a cell phone. The holder allows the user to attach the device to the user, as well as straps, such as car seat belts and purse straps. This holder has the unique property of being able to accommodate a range of sizes of electronic devices. These have not been addressed or presented in any prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is one embodiment for holder, with adjustable size in one axis utilizing linear motion, as an example.

FIG. 2 is one embodiment for holder, with adjustable size in one axis utilizing rotational motion with a hinge, as an example.

FIG. 3 is one embodiment for holder, with adjustable size in one axis utilizing linear motion, as an example.

FIG. 4 is one embodiment for holder, with adjustable size in two axes utilizing a combination of linear and rotational motion, as an example.

FIG. 5. Typical cell phone holster usage scenario.

FIG. 6. Typical soft material cell phone holster.

FIG. 7. Typical injection-molded plastic holster.

FIG. 8 shows a rigid holster, which leaves much of device exposed and usable.

FIG. 9. Typical protective cases for cell phones.

FIG. 10 is one embodiment for holder, with adjustable size in one axis utilizing linear motion, as an example.

FIG. 11 is one embodiment for holder, with adjustable size in one axis utilizing rotational motion, as an example, in addition to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is one embodiment for holder, with adjustable size in one axis which is a different axis than the one shown in FIG. 10, as an example.

FIG. 13 is one embodiment for holder, with adjustable size in two axes utilizing a combination of linear and rotational motion, as an example. The articulating member holds device in multiple axes independently, to accommodate the length of the device.

FIG. 14 is the sliding mechanism to adjust for size, as an example.

FIG. 15 is the sliding mechanism to adjust for size, as an example.

FIG. 16 is the sliding mechanism to adjust for size, as an example.

FIG. 17 is the sliding mechanism to adjust for size, as an example.

FIG. 18 is the sliding mechanism to adjust for size, as an example.

FIG. 19 is the sliding mechanism to adjust for size, as an example.

FIG. 20 is the sliding mechanism to adjust for size, as an example.

FIG. 21 is the sliding mechanism to adjust for size, as an example.

FIG. 22 is the sliding mechanism to adjust for size, as an example.

FIG. 23 is the sliding mechanism to adjust for size, as an example.

FIG. 24 is the sliding mechanism to adjust for size, as an example.

FIG. 25 is the sliding mechanism to adjust for size, as an example.

FIG. 26 is the sliding mechanism to adjust for size, as an example.

FIG. 27 is the sliding mechanism to adjust for size, as an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The functional advantage of the flexible holsters is that they can accommodate multiple models of electronic devices. From a retail merchandising standpoint, when a new phone is introduced to the marketplace, it is likely that there is already a holster on the market that fits it, because of the looseness of the tolerances in the holster itself. The primary disadvantage of this type of holster is a usability issue. When the user wants to use the phone, see who is calling, or merely check the time on the device, the user needs to remove the phone from the holster. The rigid holsters solve this problem by leaving much of the device exposed (FIG. 8).

However, they have the disadvantage of being designed for a particular device, without much flexibility. When a new device is introduced with a slightly different physical form factor, it is quite likely that a new holster will be needed, as well. In addition, there are many protective cases on the market for cell phones (FIG. 9). These prevent the device from being scratched, or when they are invariably dropped, the cases offer a level of protection that does not exist with the phone itself. These cases add additional dimension to the phone. In many cases, a holster that would fit the phone itself would not fit the phone if it was encased in a protective case.

The current invention, as one embodiment, offers the advantage of the soft holsters (that of flexibility of fitting a variety of sizes) and the rigid holsters (that of usability, while still in the holster). The invention is comprised of a rigid material, such as polycarbonate, and at least one articulating member.

One embodiment comprises an articulating member that wraps around one of the edges of the device (FIG. 10). The device engages with this movable member and is pressed into it. The moving portion articulates, allowing the other edge of the device to swing into the fixed portion of the holster. This moving member can either be set into multiple positions, or it can be spring-loaded into a free position that is smaller than the device. This holster can then accommodate a range of device sizes with the same amount of holster wrapping around to the front face.

In the embodiment shown, the holster can be designed with extra room to accommodate devices that are larger in the other two dimensions (that of front to back and side to side). Because the device is spring-loaded in at least one axis, it is held securely in the holster. The far side of the device of the invention (not shown), as an example, comprises of one of a variety of attachment options that are currently present in the marketplace (e.g. clip, strap, post to engage removable attachment mechanism, etc.). These attachment options allow the user to affix the holster to clothing, luggage, seat belts, or similar objects, as some examples.

Alternatively, instead of a linear articulation, the movable portion of the holster can pivot with respect to the fixed portion of the holster (FIG. 11). As well as working in a portrait mode (FIG. 10), this device can be designed so that it could work in a landscape mode, as well (FIG. 12).

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the articulating portion of the invention can move independently along more than one axis (FIG. 13). In this manner, a wide variety of devices could be held very securely. This articulation can take place along two axes (e.g. FIG. 13), or three axes, with the third axis being the thickness of the device itself.

FIGS. 14-27 show the sliding mechanism to adjust for size, as an example, for different directions and from different angles. FIG. 10 is one embodiment for holder, with adjustable size, in vertical direction, as an example. FIG. 11 is one embodiment for holder, with adjustable size, in rotational direction, with a hinge, as an example, in addition to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is one embodiment for holder, with adjustable size, in vertical direction, as an example. FIG. 13 is one embodiment for holder, with adjustable size, in rotational direction, with a guiding strip, as an example. The articulating member holds device in multiple axes independently, to accommodate the length of the device. FIGS. 1-4 are similar to FIGS. 10-13, respectively.

In FIG. 1, item 100 is the back of the holder, with 102 and 104 for holding the bottom of the phone or device. Item 106 and its hook or U-shape 108 can go up and down vertically, as shown in 109, to adjust for the size of the phone or device.

In FIG. 2, item 200 is the back, with 202 and 204 holding the bottom of the device. The arm 206 and its hook 208 rotate on hinge along 212, in direction 214, in the space allowed by the narrow plate 201, with respect to plate 200 thickness, which is thicker than 201.

In FIG. 3, 300 is the back, with 302 and 304 holding the bottom of the device, and 306 and its hook 308 going up and down vertically for adjustment of the size, as shown in 309, for the devices of different size or shape.

In FIG. 4, item 400 is the back, with 402 and 404 holding the bottom of the device. The arm 406 and its hook (or ending, triangle, or L-shape) 408 rotate on hinge along 412, in direction 414, at the location 410, in a slide along 416, in the direction 418, with 408 being adjusted along 420, with direction of rotation 422, at the location 424, with multiple degrees of freedom, adjusting many parameters, to fit the device, in every dimensions, for maximum adjustments, as one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4.

Thus, we can adjust length, width, and thickness, or use angles in 3 different directions, for multiple degrees of freedom, in Cartesian, polar, or cylindrical coordinates, or combinations, to adjust the size, for different devices, which because it is very fast and secure, describes an invention that is very easy, cost effective and flexible for the consumers.

This can be used as a universal holder or holster, belt attachment, armband (e.g. without the need to remove the case), or attached to an adapter that is connected to a dashboard or windshield of a car (e.g. for a GPS-enabled device in the car).

Any variations of the above teaching are also intended to be covered by this patent application. 

1. A universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, comprising: a base side to hold said cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device; a back side to hold said cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device; and an adjustable portion that is adjusted or set, based on size of said cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device.
 2. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion moves vertically, with respect to said base side.
 3. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion moves horizontally, with respect to said base side.
 4. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion moves diagonally, with respect to said base side.
 5. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion moves radially or on a radius of a circle, with respect to a center point, and with respect to said base side.
 6. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion moves rotationally, around an axis, with respect to said base side.
 7. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion has a sliding portion.
 8. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion has a rotational portion.
 9. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion has a strip, gap, hole, or opening portion.
 10. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion has an arm.
 11. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion has a hook.
 12. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion has a U-shaped portion.
 13. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion has a knob or screw to secure or adjust size or opening of said universal holder or holster.
 14. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion has an elastic band or material to secure or adjust size or opening of said universal holder or holster.
 15. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion has a chain, wire, belt, or cable to secure or adjust size or opening of said universal holder or holster.
 16. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion has a triangle, T-shape, L-shape, corner box, or V-shape portion to secure or adjust size or opening of said universal holder or holster.
 17. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion has a hinge with a rod or arm to secure or adjust size or opening of said universal holder or holster.
 18. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion has a rotational axis with a rod or arm to secure or adjust size or opening of said universal holder or holster.
 19. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion has a ball bearing with a rod or arm to secure or adjust size or opening of said universal holder or holster.
 20. The universal holder or holster for a cell phone, mobile phone, smart phone, pager, or telecommunication device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustable portion has a swinging or rotating rod or arm to secure or adjust size or opening of said universal holder or holster. 